Public Health

Night view of wildfire burning near residential area in California

Wildfire Exposure More Than Doubled Since 2000

More intense and widespread fires caused by climate change and changing air temperature are threatening more existing communities.

July 6, 2023 - Source NM

Woman in leggings and long-sleeved jacket walks in public park among fall foliage

Parks and Recreation as a Health Solution

New research by the Trust for Public Land explores connections between urban parks and health, building on prior research and offering insights such as the growing importance of partnerships with health organizations.

July 4, 2023 - Governing

Large power towers sillhouetted against an orange sky

Preparing the Grid for More Intense Heat Waves

As extreme heat becomes more common, the risk of a grid collapse threatens to turn a dangerous situation deadly.

July 2, 2023 - Wired

Male cyclists wearing helmet, sunglasses, and N95 mask stands with arms crossed in front of his bike

Wildfire Smoke Takes Toll on Bike Commuters

How can people on bikes protect their lungs from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke?

June 30, 2023 - Momentum Magazine

Stormwater Infrastructure

50 Years Later: Anacostia River to Welcome Swimmers

The Washington, D.C. region has accomplished a major environmental victory, cleaning up the Anacostia River enough for humans to swim in for the first time in five decades.

June 28, 2023 - WJLA

Close-up of gas stove with two burners on

Study: Benzene From Gas Stoves Higher Than in Secondhand Smoke

The pollutant, emitted by gas-burning stoves, is a leading chemical cause of leukemia.

June 26, 2023 - The Guardian

Close-up of the feet of pedestrians in a crosswalk

2022 Deadliest Year for Pedestrians in Four Decades

Pedestrian deaths reached a four-decade high last year, signaling the failure of Vision Zero policies in most U.S. cities.

June 23, 2023 - Streetsblog USA

Yellow Drive Safely on desert road

Beyond PSAs: Making Traffic Safety Outreach More Effective

Streetsblog surveyed readers about how road safety education can be made better.

June 20, 2023 - Streetsblog USA

'Caution Extreme Heat Danger' sign in Death Valley, California with desert mountains in background

How Extreme Heat Drives Inter-Agency Collaboration

City officials tasked with addressing the impacts of extreme heat highlight the importance of aligning the efforts of multiple city departments.

June 18, 2023 - Smart Cities Dive

Dallas Freeways

How Car-Oriented Infrastructure Harms Public Health

A new documentary shows the ways that infrastructure designed for cars and not people is making us ill.

June 14, 2023 - Streetsblog USA

Marcellus shale gas-drilling site with tall white tower against green hills along PA Route 87, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania

The Effort to Plug Pennsylvania’s Abandoned Oil Wells

Hundreds of thousands of defunct oil wells litter the state, leaking dangerous substances and often hidden under parking lots, buildings, or covered over by vegetation.

June 14, 2023 - Inside Climate News

Close-up of hand holding up decibel meter with blurred highway with traffic in background

The Case Against Noise Pollution

A detailed description of how noise impacts health and wellbeing.

June 12, 2023 - The New York Times

Close-up of lead water pipe with mineral crusts

An Equity Approach to Lead Pipe Replacement

A former Chicago health commissioner calls on governments to prioritize the most marginalized and historically disinvested communities when distributing funding to replace lead pipes, which have taken the highest toll on the health of disadvantaged c

May 31, 2023 - Governing

Nighttime view of U.S. Capitol and blurred traffic on Pennsylvania Avenue

D.C. Residents Fight Light Pollution

New LED lighting has raised concerns about the health and environmental impacts of excessive or harsh lighting.

May 30, 2023 - Route Fifty

Road sign with EXTREME HEAT ALERT surrounded by orange traffic cones

How Hot is Too Hot?

While they may not sound extreme, temperatures over 90 degrees can easily pose fatal risks and could have long-term impacts on public health.

May 23, 2023 - High Country News

Monotone photo of man waiting on subway platform with blurry train passing by and other passengers walking by

How Can Urban Planning Address the ‘Loneliness Epidemic’?

The U.S. Surgeon General is sounding the alarm about the health effects of isolation. Planners have a role to play in rebuilding our “social infrastructure.”

May 14, 2023 - Angie Schmitt

Close-up of pedestrian crossing button at a crosswalk in Los Angeles

Report: Racial Gap in Traffic Deaths Persists

Communities of color have significantly higher rates of traffic fatalities, according to federal research.

May 9, 2023 - Smart Cities Dive

View from back of young man sitting on concrete bench overlooking blurred city at sunrise or sunset

New Report on Loneliness and Isolation

A new advisory from the Surgeon General declares that there is an epidemic of loneliness in the United States and that lacking connection can increase the risk for premature death to levels comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

May 8, 2023 - National Public Radio

Blur image of patients in a hospital waiting area.

Report: Poor Access to Transportation Linked to Missed Healthcare

One in five Americans with limited access to transit and no vehicle have to forego medical appointments.

May 1, 2023 - Smart Cities Dive

Playground with yellow shade sails and blue equipment in Los Angeles, California

Community Building Through Park Activation

Los Angeles County's popular and award-winning Parks After Dark program returns for the spring, providing opportunities for residents to come together in safe and welcoming spaces where they can access quality programming and a variety of services.

April 4, 2023 - KTLA5

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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.